Exploring The Lost 40

This past weekend, I went and explored The Lost 40 for the first time! Here are some highlights of The Lost 40. The photos show the natural beauty these trails offer.

Wildlife

The trails are filled with bird birding calling and flying high up in the tress. The lost 40 is a great trail for bird watching. The trails have good clearings and a few benches to sit and watch. Also, during our walk we saw butterflies and a  small garden snake. Evetime there was  noise from  a bush we would pause to try and see what type of animal or bug that was hiding in the bushes.

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Trails

The second you start the hike on the trails there is a sense of serenity. When you look up, you see old pines tower over all of the other trees. It is a fairly easy hike. There are a few hills but, they aren’t too steep. We spent about 2 hours explore the different trails.

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Tips!

Around this time of year there is a good amount of mosquitos and horse flies. I would recommend wearing bug spray and comfortable shoes for the hike. There are some roots that stick up but, the trails are pretty clear and easy to walk through. Lastly, bring a camera and take photos! The pines are a perfect photo op to truly see the size comparison of these 100’s of year old trees.

History

In 1882, there was a public land survey being done and a total of 40 acers was missed which is now know as The Lost 40.  Surveyor’s mistakenly mapped the area as a Coddington Lake. This lake is actually half a mile away from the lost 40 land. The Lost 40 wasn’t re-surveyed until 1960 and was then incorporated to the Big Fork State Park.

There is so much to discover and find in The Lost 40!

Map

Lost 40

 

Best Trails Around Grand Rapids, MN

No matter if you are an  avid hiker, ATV/OHV rider or mountain bike enthusiast, Grand Rapids Minnesota has all the trails for a fun packed adventure.

Hiking Trails

With 1.6 million acers to explore, the Chippewa National Forest is filled with exploring opportunities. Here are trails to hike during any season.

Other trails to explore include:

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ATV/OHV Trails

The Itasca County area offers thousands of acres of federal, state, county and industrial forest land that are open to off-highway vehicle riding, and several designated trails. Forest or logging roads are an excellent choice for ATV/OHV use as well. In Itasca County, there are over 200 miles of ATV trails to ride.

Trail Opening Dates 

*Note: due to trail conditions, trails may not open as stated below. Check first with MN DNR Trail Closures.

April 1st – Alborn/Pengilly, Blue Ox, Thistledew, Soo Line

May 2nd – US Forest Service Alvwood/ Squaw Lake, Island Lake Connection

May 15th – Wilderness Wheelers and B&B Connection, Balsam, Little Moose, UPM Blandin

Don’t have an ATV? No worries! 

R&R Rental
20760 US-169
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 218-999-7368
Side by Side Rentals
Website: https://www.rrrental.com/contact-us.asp

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Mountain Biking Trails

Ride the well maintained, world class bike trails in the greater Grand Rapids Area.

If you need bike repairs or want to rent a bike, contact Ardent Bicycles and they can assist you.

Ardent Bicycles

Address: 951 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Phone: (218) 999-5470

Website: https://ardentbicycles.com/ 

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Stay in Grand Rapids!

Make it a getaway!!! After a day of hitting the trails, enjoy great food, locally crafted beer and enjoy the attraction and night life that Grand Rapids has to offer. For lodging, we have cozy Hotels, Airbnb’s or Resorts and a Bed and Breakfast right on the lake. Book your stay today and enjoy Minnesota’s nature on the trails.